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Stanislav Ivanov was supposed to be an impact signing for the Chicago Fire. Those who had seen him in training said he was polished, and ready to make a difference from his very first game with the club. Unfortunately, a preseason injury got in the way.
It’s coming about four months later than expected, but Ivanov looks to finally be ready to make his Fire debut. The club announced Monday he’s been added to the active roster after successfully recovering from arthroscopic surgery in his left knee to repair a medial meniscus tear.
The Bulgarian winger, who is just 22 years old, is available for selection Wednesday against D.C. United (7 p.m. CT, WGN-TV/CFFC Live). After so many months away, Ivanov will need to regain match fitness, so it’s a safe bet the Fire will want to ease him back into the team with an appearance or two off the bench, before he’s even considered for a starting spot.
With Raphael Wicky away in Switzerland dealing with a family emergency, it’ll be up to assistant Frank Klopas to decide whether Ivanov makes his debut this week. After Wednesday’s match against D.C., the Fire host Toronto FC at Soldier Field on Saturday.